Professor David Nutt has been appointed chair designate until the 1 November 2008 when he will take up the appointment until 2011. The current Chair of ACMD, Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, will step down on 31 October 2008, having served the maximum ten-year tenure.

Professor David Nutt said: "I am honoured to take up this position as Chair of the ACMD and look forward to beginning my Chairmanship in November this year."

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Professor Sir Michael Rawlins has played an invaluable role in helping to shape Government policy on tackling drugs for ten years. I look forward to working with his successor so that the Advisory Council's expert advice can continue to inform our drive to reduce the harm caused by illegal substances."

Chair of the ACMD Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, said: "The past ten years as Chairman of the ACMD has been both challenging and rewarding. I will be sad to step down at the end of October but look forward to seeing the future work of the Council. I would like to thank the members of ACMD for their hard work and dedication during my term as Chair.

"I welcome the appointment of Professor David Nutt as my successor. I have every confidence that he will provide excellent and innovative leadership to the Council providing the best possible advice to government." 

The ACMD is established under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Council is required to keep under review drug misuse throughout the United Kingdom and advise the Government on measures for preventing misuse and for dealing with the social problems arising from it.

Members, including the Chair, are unpaid although members can claim any reasonable expenses that they may incur. The appointments have been made in accordance with guidelines from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). 

Professor Nutt is Professor of Psychopharmacology and Head of Community Based Medicine at the University of Bristol.